Featured Hotels

Featured Restaurants

Featured Spas

Overview

To most visitors, Miami includes both the city of Miami and its across-the-bay twin, Miami Beach. Each is a separate community, and each is vibrantly different in personality. Miami is older, more settled and sophisticated. Miami Beach is youth on a fling. The city of Miami, or its downtown area, has the bustle of business, rush-hour traffic and skyscrapers. It's also a popular place for cruise-goers; the Port of Miami is the largest embarkation point for cruise ships in the world. Contrary to popular belief, Miami Beach is not the same thing as South Beach. South Beach is a tiny portion of the expansive whole of Miami Beach-the neighborhood runs from First Street to around Dade Boulevard (a few blocks north of Lincoln Road). Small it may be, but this area has enough flash to make even Vegas blush. Skimpily dressed, taut-and-tanned locals mix it up with the rich and famous inside trendy clubs, swanky boutique hotels and shops along Collins Avenue. South Beach is also home to the thickest concentration of Miami's acclaimed Art Deco buildings. A walk down Ocean Drive between Fifth and 16th streets is like taking a trip to the 1930s. And at the enclave's northern tip, you can find Lincoln Road, a pedestrianized street with shops and restaurants galore. It's exactly what you thought of Miami, only brasher, brighter, and in real-time. When it comes to what to see in Miami, many people think of only two things: sand and the sea. But there's a lot more on offer in this sunny southern city than beaches and swimming. With oodles of history, culture, arts and fashion around town, you'll be spending more time off the sand than you might think. Stroll the Art Deco district and learn how this magic city developed such a unique architectural style. Escape the midday sun and visit the Miami Art Museum to see a fine collection of contemporary works by local artists. Or head back in time to St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church, an ancient Spanish monastery dating back to the 12th century. Whatever your interest or curiosity, you're sure to find something to quell it.

Map

Followers

To avoid throngs of tourists, book a trip to Miami between May and September. Sure, temperatures are brutally hot, but you’ll be able to score restaurant reservations more easily and relax on a beach that’s not nearly as crowded. Plus, you’re going on vacation to Miami to get a tan, aren’t you? Just don’t forget your sunscreen and airy clothing.

Many people choose to visit in the winter and spring months for the obvious reason: temperatures average in the 70s from January to April, something most people living in northern states aren’t accustomed to during that time of year. June through October is generally considered hurricane season in Miami, but temperatures and precipitation are ideal and accommodation costs are lower than that of the winter and spring months.

In the mood for something sweet? Well, head over to any of these top locations in Miami for the ultimate desserts everyone will enjoy.

Swine Southern Table & BarHands down, the Warm Sticky Icky Bun at Swine Southern Table & Bar is one of the best desserts around. This cinnamon bun is served with maple-bourbon toffee syrup, candied smoked bacon and a large scoop of sweet potato pie ice cream on the side for the ultimate extra sweet goodness.

Michael’s GenuineReally, anything that Executive Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith creates is amazing, so it’s no surprise her tasty after dinner sweets are sought after. While the dessert changes with the menu (and the smore’s in a jar was the long time favorite), right now it’s all about the Chocolate Cremoso with sea salt, sour dough crostini, and espresso parfait that’ll be sure to feed your craving.

Timo Restaurant & BarSitting alongside Collins Avenue tucked away in cozy Sunny Isles, you’ll find Timo Restaurant & Bar, along with one of the most solid desserts around: Macadamia Brittle. Served with a side of gelato, this sweet treat is well crafted with caramelized bananas, pineapple, and toasted coconut that offers a not-too sweet dessert that’s right on the top of the list.

There are so many amazing restaurants here in Miami, but to get the best food experience, there are a few excellent events to take part in. For all those foodies out there looking to try something fun and exciting in the culinary world, here are the top five best Miami food experiences to dive right into.

DishCrawl MiamiJoin your neighbors for a couple of hours of taste testing all the best foods in happening Miami locations in this restaurant crawl. Eaters will head to four different restaurants once signed up for DischCrawl Miami to experience some signature dishes from top local chefs, allowing them to learn more about just what’s offered to the palate in this booming food town.

Miami Culinary Tours: South BeachA fun experience for both locals and tourists, the South Beach Food Tour offers everyone a chance to get to know not just the staple restaurants in the area, but also the culture and history behind the city. You’ll take an incredible culinary journey, stopping at about 7-8 places and tasting some of the best cuisine, along with getting informative background information on the city from a friendly, knowledgeable tour guide.

Miami SpiceFrom August 1st through September 30th, Miami diners are able to enjoy trying dishes from top chefs at fancy restaurants, all for a fixed low rate. During Miami Spice, the best-of-the-best in the restaurant industry fixes up delectable three-course menus for both lunch and dinner, and offer them at low rates starting at just $19, allowing everyone to dine at the most sough-after venues.

Taste the NationAn evening that is packed with the most talked about chefs in Miami, gourmet food, and live entertainment, Taste the Nation is a not-to-miss food event. Over 50 restaurants pack the house, feeding guests their most delicious menu items all under one roof in efforts to help fight childhood hunger.

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food FestivalFebruary not only brings beautiful weather here in the Magic City, but it also shells out one of the most anticipated food events in the country. The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a four-day food fest with celebrity chefs cooking up their favorite eats for spectators along with extravagant after parties that are criminal to miss.

Escape the crowds of the city and revel in the best of Miami’s natural beauty at one of these amazing parks.

Everglades National ParkAt over one million acres, Everglades National Park is the largest protected subtropical wilderness in the world. There is something for everyone here—air boating in the wetlands, biking through the trails in Shark Valley, canoeing, off-roading in Big Cypress, camping, and rare alligator, crocodile, and even Florida Panther sightings.

Matheson Hammock Park – MiamiWith its ‘wild and natural beauty’ as described by the park’s founder – William J. Matheson – this other-worldly yet peaceful haven gives visitors a place to explore lush forests of mangroves, dip in an atoll pool or stroll along a tranquil beach. Nature trails and bike trails also weave through the park. For boaters, the Matheson Hammock Marina is a prime spot for docking.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – Key BiscayneA short ten-minute drive from Downtown Miami is Bill Bags Cape Florida State Park. With over 400 acres, visitors have ample green space to sunbath, swim, and picnic, as well as bike, kayak, and fish. The park is also home to a historic lighthouse built in 1825, the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. Overnight camping is also allowed in No Name Harbor.

Crandon Park – Key BiscayneCrandon Park covers 808 acres worth of the island of Key Biscayne, and offers visitors a unique breathtaking playground for exploring, relaxing, and fun alike. For the adventure-seekers, the park offers eco-adventures and kite-board and kayak rentals. For the nature-lovers, there are bird and butterfly walks, historical nature walks, and nature trails. And, for beach-goers, there is a peaceful sandy beach.

Escape the crowds of the city and revel in the best of Miami’s natural beauty at one of these amazing parks.

Everglades National ParkAt over one million acres, Everglades National Park is the largest protected subtropical wilderness in the world. There is something for everyone here—air boating in the wetlands, biking through the trails in Shark Valley, canoeing, off-roading in Big Cypress, camping, and rare alligator, crocodile, and even Florida Panther sightings.

Matheson Hammock Park – MiamiWith its ‘wild and natural beauty’ as described by the park’s founder – William J. Matheson – this other-worldly yet peaceful haven gives visitors a place to explore lush forests of mangroves, dip in an atoll pool or stroll along a tranquil beach. Nature trails and bike trails also weave through the park. For boaters, the Matheson Hammock Marina is a prime spot for docking.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – Key BiscayneA short ten-minute drive from Downtown Miami is Bill Bags Cape Florida State Park. With over 400 acres, visitors have ample green space to sunbath, swim, and picnic, as well as bike, kayak, and fish. The park is also home to a historic lighthouse built in 1825, the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. Overnight camping is also allowed in No Name Harbor.

Crandon Park – Key BiscayneCrandon Park covers 808 acres worth of the island of Key Biscayne, and offers visitors a unique breathtaking playground for exploring, relaxing, and fun alike. For the adventure-seekers, the park offers eco-adventures and kite-board and kayak rentals. For the nature-lovers, there are bird and butterfly walks, historical nature walks, and nature trails. And, for beach-goers, there is a peaceful sandy beach.

Everyone wants to look and feel their best in Miami, and the city’s spas are the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and restore. Here, three of the area’s best star-rated luxury spas offering unique experiences for all everyone.

The Ritz-Carlton South Beach – Miami BeachThe Ritz-Carlton Spa’s offerings include everything from Swedish, Shiatsu and deep tissue massages to stone therapy, elite La Maison de Beaute Carita beauty treatments to pre- and post-party therapies and after-sun therapies, all perfect for beautification, pampering and restoration for South Beach goers. The new Rhythm Massage also uses Latin-inspired music and draws on the Miami culture for an energizing experience. The spa features 14 treatment rooms, luxurious lounges, a full-service salon and two couple’s suites.

The Mandarin Oriental Miami – Downtown MiamiThis destination spa for locals and visitors alike offers an indulgent experience overlooking the beautiful Biscayne Bay. The Mandarin Oriental spa’s distinctive approach includes innovative and restorative treatments that are inspired by the life elements hailing from the ancient traditions of Ayurveda, Balinese, Chinese, European and Thai cultures. Guests can take advantage of 11 spa treatment rooms with six VIP suites and a beauty treatment suite that has an anti-aging CACI Ultra machine and Oxygen machine. The spa also features a fully-equipped fitness center, outdoor yoga classes and Thai Chi, and beauty salon services.

Acqualina Resort & Spa - Sunny IslesThe ESPA spa at Acqualina, which is located in nearby Sunny Isles between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, provides European-like service with traditional and tailor-made beauty and wellness programs, all designed with a holistic focus. Treatments range from chakra balancing with hot stones to holistic foot and nail treatments, and all are complemented by essential oils and products from organic ingredients. A majestic Roman waterfall in the spa’s private pool, Finnish sauna and shower and large crystal enhance the spa’s splendor and relaxing experience.

EscopazzoA small hole-in-the-wall venue known for its organic menu and quaint Tuscan-type setting, Escopazzo is a go-to for many South Florida locals looking for decent pasta dishes. Items such as the Butternut Squash and Amaretto Filled Tortelli and Spaghetti with Pacific Sea Urchin will never disappoint the hungry yet health-conscious eater.

Macaluso's Restaurant MiamiThis cozy Italian spot is nestled inside a small strip mall right off of busy Alton Road in South Beach, and delivers some of the best homemade Italian around. The meatball appetizer is just one of the many dishes that makes Macaluso's Restaurant such a staple in the food scene here, along with their pastas, pizzas, and huge piece of white cake covered in sprinkles, just like grandma used to make.

EscopazzoA small hole-in-the-wall venue known for its organic menu and quaint Tuscan-type setting, Escopazzo is a go-to for many South Florida locals looking for decent pasta dishes. Items such as the Butternut Squash and Amaretto Filled Tortelli and Spaghetti with Pacific Sea Urchin will never disappoint the hungry yet health-conscious eater.

Macaluso's Restaurant MiamiThis cozy Italian spot is nestled inside a small strip mall right off of busy Alton Road in South Beach, and delivers some of the best homemade Italian around. The meatball appetizer is just one of the many dishes that makes Macaluso's Restaurant such a staple in the food scene here, along with their pastas, pizzas, and huge piece of white cake covered in sprinkles, just like grandma used to make.

Seafood here in Miami is a must, so if you’re hunkering for some sauteed scallops, baked lobster, or even a good batch of oysters, this city has just the places. Here are the top three seafood spots to get your fish fix.

Monty’sAn old staple to the Miami food scene, Monty’s is one place that has been around for years and still offers some of the best seafood today. It provides a simple, beachy-type setting with impeccable views and tasty food, including the famous conch chowder, fried clams, and popcorn shrimp.

The River Seafood & Oyster BarA hot spot for many locals, The River Seafood & Oyster Bar never disappoints its awaiting fans with mouthwatering seafood inside its cozy Brickell location. Everything from the snapper tartare with crispy wontons to the gnocchi and blue crab with shaved black truffles is always solid.

Joe’s Stone CrabYou can’t really get away from talking about Joe’s Stone Crab when discussing top seafood spots in Miami. Although the expected wait time is about 45 minutes or longer (unless you know a person) the food is usually worth it, including the stone crabs themselves when in season.

The bar culture in Miami is quite diverse and whether you’re looking to enjoy a craft cocktail at a posh hotel in South Beach or some cheap beers at a casual watering hole, the city will cater to your individual interest. With talented mixologists and profit-hungry bar owners continuously being attracted to Miami’s vibrant hospitality scene, travelers can enjoy a wide range of bar experiences from Happy Hour to sunrise.

Serving some of Miami’s most inventive cocktails, visit the lively bar scene inside Forbes Travel Guide four-star restaurant Hakkasan at the legendary Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Offering a variety of refreshing drink options, combined with its modern Cantonese cuisine and sexy Chinois-inspired interior design, take a seat at the main bar or at a private table depending on your mood. Order one of their signature cocktails and my personal favorite, The Hakka, which combines premium vodka, sake, fresh coconut, lychee juice and passion fruit.

WIth sunshine year round, Miami features a staggering number of outdoor drinking options whether it’s enjoying an energizing libation poolside or at a location with mesmerizing views of the ocean. The Broken Shaker at the Freehand Miami continues to attract both locals and travelers by offering a range of specialty handcrafted cocktails where skilled bartenders use select ingredients right from the property’s own garden. The setting, which includes an inviting pool, ping pong tables and a DJ, immediately puts you at ease as it's the kind of place where you know the crowd is there for one purpose: to kick back and enjoy some of the city’s best drinks.

For travelers who are looking for an even more low key experience and are fans of craft beers, Abraxas in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood is a hidden spot that offers an extensive list of domestic and international varieties, including a number of Belgian rarities. Check out Trivia Nights on Tuesdays which is a fantastic way to meet some of the locals at this darkly-lit casual neighborhood bar. TheAbbey Brewing Company, one of Miami’s oldest pubs, is another inviting cozy bar that offers an impressive selection of hand crafted beers including my favorite, The Immaculate IPA, which is made from their special house recipe. Open every day until 5 a.m., it’s a great location to share a toast with locals and visitors from around the world.

The bar culture in Miami is quite diverse and whether you’re looking to enjoy a craft cocktail at a posh hotel in South Beach or some cheap beers at a casual watering hole, the city will cater to your individual interest. With talented mixologists and profit-hungry bar owners continuously being attracted to Miami’s vibrant hospitality scene, travelers can enjoy a wide range of bar experiences from Happy Hour to sunrise.

Serving some of Miami’s most inventive cocktails, visit the lively bar scene inside Forbes Travel Guide four-star restaurant Hakkasan at the legendary Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Offering a variety of refreshing drink options, combined with its modern Cantonese cuisine and sexy Chinois-inspired interior design, take a seat at the main bar or at a private table depending on your mood. Order one of their signature cocktails and my personal favorite, The Hakka, which combines premium vodka, sake, fresh coconut, lychee juice and passion fruit.

WIth sunshine year round, Miami features a staggering number of outdoor drinking options whether it’s enjoying an energizing libation poolside or at a location with mesmerizing views of the ocean. The Broken Shaker at the Freehand Miami continues to attract both locals and travelers by offering a range of specialty handcrafted cocktails where skilled bartenders use select ingredients right from the property’s own garden. The setting, which includes an inviting pool, ping pong tables and a DJ, immediately puts you at ease as it's the kind of place where you know the crowd is there for one purpose: to kick back and enjoy some of the city’s best drinks.

For travelers who are looking for an even more low key experience and are fans of craft beers, Abraxas in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood is a hidden spot that offers an extensive list of domestic and international varieties, including a number of Belgian rarities. Check out Trivia Nights on Tuesdays which is a fantastic way to meet some of the locals at this darkly-lit casual neighborhood bar. TheAbbey Brewing Company, one of Miami’s oldest pubs, is another inviting cozy bar that offers an impressive selection of hand crafted beers including my favorite, The Immaculate IPA, which is made from their special house recipe. Open every day until 5 a.m., it’s a great location to share a toast with locals and visitors from around the world.